Listen up, folks—if you’re on the hunt for a shampoo that ticks all the boxes (curly hair-friendly, sulfate-free, vegan, and smells like a dream), then Rhyme & Reason’s Quench and Curl line is calling your name.
I’ve been through the ringer with hair products, and this one’s a standout. Trust me, you’ll want to snag it from your local Target or wherever it’s stocked before it flies off the shelves.
Let’s chat about my experience, the pros, cons, and everything in between—because your curls deserve some love too.
My Journey With Rhyme & Reason Quench and Curl
Picture this: I’m standing in the shower, staring at yet another bottle of shampoo that promises to tame my wild, coily curls but usually leaves them dry and sad.
Then I stumbled across Rhyme & Reason Quench and Curl at Target, lured in by the sleek recycled bottle and the “92% naturally derived” claim.
I figured, why not? My hair was begging for a change.
First wash, and I’m already hooked.
The scent hits me—peach and clove with a warm twist of cinnamon and sandalwood. It’s like a cozy spa day in my bathroom, not some overpowering chemical blast.
I lather it up, and it’s not one of those super-foamy shampoos, but it still gets the job done. My scalp feels clean, not stripped, and the shea butter in there? I can tell it’s working some magic because my curls aren’t screaming for moisture five minutes later.
The conditioner’s where it really shines, though. It’s thick and creamy, and I slather it on, letting it sit while I hum a tune. When I rinse it out and scrunch my hair, I’m amazed—my curls pop with definition, no frizz in sight.
Usually, I’d need a leave-in or some gel to get this kind of bounce, but this duo holds its own. After drying, my hair feels soft, not weighed down, though I did notice a slight waxy vibe from the shea butter on day two.
Maybe my hair’s just picky about that ingredient, but it’s a small trade-off for how good it looks fresh out of the shower.
I’ve been using it for weeks now, and my curls are happier than they’ve been in ages. It’s not perfect—more on that later—but it’s earned a permanent spot in my routine. My daughter even stole some for her wavy locks and raved about the volume it gave her.
We’re a Rhyme & Reason household now, and I’m not mad about it.
Pros of Rhyme & Reason Shampoo
Alright, let’s break down why this stuff’s worth your time. I’ve been analyzing every wash like a haircare detective, and here’s what stands out.
- Curl Definition That Actually Lasts
If you’ve got curly or coily hair like me, you know the struggle of finding a shampoo that doesn’t leave your strands limp or undefined.
Rhyme & Reason’s Quench and Curl delivers.
The shea butter locks in moisture, and the desert peach and ceramides seem to anchor my roots, giving my curls a soft, bouncy shape that holds up all day.
I’m talking tight, defined coils without that crunchy gel feel—pure natural goodness.
- Sulfate-Free and Gentle on Your Scalp
I can’t stress this enough: no sulfates! My scalp used to itch like crazy with harsher shampoos, but this one’s a game-changer. It cleans without stripping away every ounce of natural oil, leaving my hair and scalp balanced.
If you’re sensitive to chemicals or just want something kinder, this is your vibe. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, so you’re doing your part for the planet too.
- That Scent—Oh My Goodness
Can we talk about the smell? Peach, clove, cinnamon bark, heliotrope, tonka bean, and sandalwood—it’s like a warm hug in liquid form. Every wash feels like a treat, and the fragrance lingers just enough to make me smile when I catch a whiff later.
My daughter keeps sniffing her hair and grinning, so I know it’s not just me.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging
I’m a sucker for brands that care about the earth, and Rhyme & Reason nails it with 100% recycled bottles. They’re recyclable too, so I don’t feel guilty tossing them when they’re empty.
It’s a small thing, but it adds up, and I love that they’re thinking beyond just my hair.
- Versatile for Different Curl Types
Here’s the kicker: it’s not just for my coily mess. My daughter’s got looser waves, and she swears it gives her volume and softness too. Whether you’re rocking tight curls or textured coils, this stuff adapts.
It’s like it knows what your hair needs and delivers without fuss.
Cons of Rhyme & Reason Shampoo
No product’s flawless, right? I’ve got some gripes, and I’m keeping it real with you.
- Shea Butter Build-Up Woes
That shea butter I raved about? It’s a double-edged sword. While it’s great for moisture, it can leave a waxy residue if your hair doesn’t play nice with heavy ingredients.
Day two after washing, my roots felt a little sticky, and I had to rinse again sooner than I’d like. If your hair’s prone to build-up, you might need to switch it up with another formula from their line.
- Price Tag Stings a Bit
At $8.99 per bottle, you’re looking at $18 for the shampoo and conditioner set. I get it—13 ounces of natural, high-quality stuff isn’t cheap—but my wallet whimpered a little. Compared to drugstore brands, it’s a splurge.
If you’re on a tight budget, you might hesitate, though I’d argue the results justify it.
- Not a Huge Lather
If you love that big, bubbly lather, this might disappoint. It’s sulfate-free, so it doesn’t foam up like crazy, and I found myself using more than usual to feel “clean.” It works fine, but I had to adjust my expectations.
Less foam doesn’t mean less clean—it’s just a mental shift.
- Availability Could Be Better
I snagged mine at Target, but it’s not always in stock locally. If you’re not near a store or prefer online shopping, you might have to hunt it down. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s annoying when you’re running low and can’t just grab it.
Tips For Rhyme & Reason Shampoo
You’ve got the goods—now let’s keep those curls thriving. Here’s how I make the most of this shampoo and conditioner.
- Wash Smart, Not Hard: I don’t wash every day—overdoing it strips my hair’s natural oils, even with a gentle formula like this. Stick to every 3-4 days, or whenever your scalp feels grimy. Wet your hair thoroughly, massage the shampoo into your roots, and let it rinse through the ends. No need to pile it on—just a quarter-sized amount does the trick.
- Conditioner Is Your Best Friend: After shampooing, don’t skimp on the conditioner. I spread it from roots to tips, focusing on my dry ends, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Scrunch it in to boost curl definition, then rinse with cool water to seal the moisture. If your hair’s extra thirsty, leave a tiny bit in as a makeshift leave-in.
- Combat Build-Up with a Clarifying Swap: That shea butter build-up I mentioned? Every few weeks, I switch to a clarifying shampoo (Rhyme & Reason’s Repair & Restore works if you stay in the brand) to reset my scalp. It keeps things fresh without undoing the moisture benefits. Follow with the Quench and Curl conditioner to bring back the softness.
- Air Dry Like a Pro: Heat’s my curls’ enemy, so I air dry after washing. Pat your hair with a microfiber towel—no rubbing, please!—and scrunch gently to shape your curls. If you’re in a rush, a diffuser on low heat works, but I’ve found air drying with this product gives the best bounce.
- Stretch Your Bottle Life: At $8.99 a pop, I make it last. Use just enough to get a light lather—less is more with this stuff. Store it upright in a cool, dry spot so it doesn’t leak or degrade. I’ve stretched a bottle to two months with careful use, and my curls still thank me.
Comparison of Rhyme & Reason Shampoo With Other Brands
Alright, you’re probably wondering how Rhyme & Reason Quench and Curl stacks up against other shampoos out there. I’ve put it head-to-head with Matrix Biolage, Hair Food, and MONAT—three brands I’ve tangled with before. Spoiler: it’s a curl-friendly showdown, and I’ve got opinions.
Let’s break it down.
- Rhyme & Reason Vs. Matrix Biolage Shampoo
First up, Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Shampoo—a salon staple I grabbed for my frizzy curls.
It’s got camellia oil to tame flyaways, and at around $7 for 13.5 ounces, it’s a steal compared to Rhyme & Reason’s $8.99 per bottle.
I’ll give it props: my hair felt silky after one wash, and the lather?
Oh, it foams like a dream, which I missed with Rhyme & Reason’s gentler suds.
But here’s where it trips—Matrix isn’t sulfate-free. Those sulfates left my scalp a little dry, and my curls?
They lost some bounce, flattening out by day two. Rhyme & Reason, with its shea butter and desert peach, keeps my coils defined and hydrated longer.
Plus, Matrix’s plastic bottle isn’t recycled like Rhyme & Reason’s eco-chic packaging. If you’re after curl definition and planet-friendly vibes, I’d hand the win to Rhyme & Reason—though Matrix might edge out for budget babes who don’t mind sulfates.
- Rhyme & Reason Vs. Hair Food Shampoo
Next, Hair Food Nourishing Shampoo with Coconut Milk and Chai Spice.
I snagged this at $7.99 for 10.1 ounces, drawn in by the natural-ish vibe and that spicy-sweet scent.
It’s sulfate-free like Rhyme & Reason, and the coconut milk promises moisture—perfect for my thirsty curls, right?
Well, sort of. It left my hair soft, and the smell was a vibe, but the definition?
Meh.
My curls looked more wavy than coily, like they’d taken a nap instead of popping off.
Rhyme & Reason, on the other hand, brings the curl game with ceramides and shea butter that lock in shape and bounce. Hair Food’s lighter formula didn’t weigh my hair down (a plus over Rhyme & Reason’s occasional waxy feel), but it also didn’t fight buildup as well—I needed a clarifying wash sooner.
Both are vegan and cruelty-free, but Rhyme & Reason’s 92% naturally derived claim feels more legit than Hair Food’s vaguer “inspired by nature” pitch. For curl power and a luxe scent (peach and clove beat chai spice in my book), I’m team Rhyme & Reason.
- Rhyme & Reason Vs. MONAT Shampoo
Finally, MONAT Renew Shampoo—a fancy-pants pick at $38 for 8 ounces.
I tried it after hearing the hype about its Rejuveniqe oil blend for hydration and scalp health.
Let me tell you, it’s a splurge, but my curls drank it up.
No sulfates, parabens, or dyes here, and it left my hair glossy and soft with decent definition.
The lather was subtle, like Rhyme & Reason, and my scalp felt pampered—no itchiness in sight.
So why not ditch Rhyme & Reason? Price, for one—$18 for the set versus $38 for one bottle is a no-brainer for my budget. MONAT’s moisture is top-tier, but it didn’t enhance my curl shape as much as Rhyme & Reason’s desert peach and ceramides do.
Plus, MONAT’s MLM vibe and less eco-friendly packaging (no recycled bottles) don’t sit as well with me. Rhyme & Reason gives you 13 ounces of curl-loving goodness per bottle, stretching your dollar further.
If you’re balling on a budget and want defined coils, Rhyme & Reason takes the crown—MONAT’s for the luxe crowd who don’t blink at the cost.
After pitting Rhyme & Reason against Matrix Biolage, Hair Food, and MONAT, I’m still riding for my Quench and Curl duo. Matrix is cheaper but harsher, Hair Food’s gentle but lacks curl oomph, and MONAT’s a dream—if you’ve got cash to burn.
Rhyme & Reason balances price, performance, and eco-love, delivering soft, defined curls without breaking the bank or my scalp. You might lean elsewhere depending on your wallet or hair quirks, but for my coily chaos, it’s the MVP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? I’ve got answers based on my time with Rhyme & Reason and some quick research.
Nope, it’s sulfate-free! That’s one of my favorite things about it—no harsh sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate here. It’s gentle and keeps my scalp happy.
“Healthiest” depends on your hair, but Rhyme & Reason’s 92% naturally derived formula, free of sulfates, parabens, and dyes, is up there. Brands like 100% Pure or Sienna Naturals also get love for clean, natural ingredients. For me, Rhyme & Reason’s balance of moisture and curl care feels pretty darn healthy.
Kim K’s been linked to brands like Ouidad and Kérastase, but no official word ties her to Rhyme & Reason. Her hair’s sleek, not curly, so I’d guess she’s not rocking this one. Still, if she tried it, I bet she’d dig the luxe scent!
Mostly! They’re 92% naturally derived, with shea butter, desert peach, and ceramides leading the charge. The other 8%? Likely stabilizers to keep it shelf-stable. It’s not 100% natural, but it’s close enough to feel good about slathering on.
Wrap-Up: Your Curls Deserve Rhyme & Reason
So, there you have it—Rhyme & Reason Quench and Curl is a must-try if you’re craving defined, moisturized curls without the harsh stuff. I’ve laid out the highs (that scent, those curls!) and lows (watch that shea butter), and I’m still sold.
Head to Target, grab the set for $18, and treat your hair to something special. You won’t regret it—your curls will thank you, and so will the planet.